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Historic Mountain Trails

13 Nights: from US$3878 Trip Code: HMT

What better way to discover Japan's beautiful landscapes than to pull on your hiking boots and get out into the wilds? With plenty of culture thrown in for good measure, this is a physically challenging tour with fantastic rewards. Read more >

On this hiking tour you'll follow in the footsteps of samurai and pilgrims as you wind your way along the ancient Nakasendo way, cooling off under the glorious Metaki and Otaki waterfalls. In the Chubu Sangaku National Park you'll scale the towering, craggy peaks and stay in lodges high on Mount Hotaka.

Most impressive of all, however, you'll climb one of the most majestic peaks in the world: Mount Fuji. We run our tour to coincide with the Fuji climbing season, and as you reach your mountain hut at sundown you'll marvel at the giant shadow that Fuji casts across the Kanto plain. Rising early, you'll complete your final ascent in time to watch the sun rise from the summit.

Though the focus of this trip is hiking, it wouldn't be doing justice to this fascinating country without considerable culture interspersed throughout. In Tokyo you'll find soaring peaks replaced with equally vertiginous architecture, and lush green forest supplanted by eye-popping neon.

Glimpse Japan's traditional side in Kyoto as you gaze on grand temples, explore markets packed with delicacies and perhaps even catch sight of a geisha as you walk through the wood-panelled streets of Gion. Even here you're not too far from nature; Kyoto boasts some lovely forest trails and atmospheric bamboo groves.

For an in-depth experience of rural and urban Japan with an expert tour leader, Historic Mountain Trails can't be beaten. Be prepared for tough hikes covering distances of up to 20 km (12 mi) with some scrambling. Please see the 'fitness' section below for further information and prerequisites.

Fitness: Please note that this is a challenging hiking tour - you will need to have a good level of fitness and have recent hiking experience (preferably at altitudes of 3,000 m/9,800 ft) to take part.

Be prepared for tough hikes covering distances of up to 20 km (12 mi). Technical mountaineering experience is not a prerequisite, but this tour is physically challenging with early starts, snow patches, scrambling and steep ascents & descents. Please discuss with your Travel Consultant if you are unsure.

Please do make sure to read the tour dossier day-by-day in detail to make sure you'll be able to enjoy this tour safely. All hikes and climbs are described in detail in the tour dossier (terrain, altitude, etc.)

Travel Insurance: Make sure to check you do have coverage in your travel insurance for Helicopter Evacuation, or have it added. Rescue helicopter would be the only way to get badly injured people out of the higher areas of the Northern Alps, from where they are often flown to Matsumoto Hospital.As you can imagine, these costs are said to be very high, easily running into several thousands of pounds per hour, so it is imperative that you have the right insurance in place.

Single Supplement: There is no single supplement for this tour. Single travellers will have a single room free of charge at all of the western style hotels (at least 8 nights). They will be asked to share with another single traveller of the same sex at the Japanese style stays (maximum 4 nights).

Transport and luggage: This is a hiking tour and transfers are made by public transport or on foot. You will need one main bag which can be either a large rucksack or a moderately sized suitcase. This bag will be sent from the Kiso area to Matsumoto. For your three nights in Kamikochi you will need to have a 50 litre rucksack for hiking (with space to hold at least two litres of water and hiking essentials such as fleeces, wet weather kit, hiking poles and snacks. A full kit list will be provided). A simple day pack is not sufficient for this hike.

Weather and clothing: You will need to bring all your own gear, including crampons, boots and a mountaineering helmet. The tour takes place in the summer and it will be hot in Tokyo and Kyoto. Temperatures in the Japanese Alps and on Mount Fuji, however, can still drop to below zero degrees centigrade. You will need good outdoor clothing and plenty of layers to stay warm and dry.

Accommodation: The western-style hotels all have full en suite facilities. Mountain huts and lodges have limited washing facilities. The other stays have shared (single sex) facilities. Rooming will be twin or single rooms at the western-style hotels but at the mountain huts and lodges we will be using multi-person rooms.

International Flights: This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Tokyo Narita or Tokyo Haneda Airport.

Check-in: Please note that rooms at the Tokyo hotel are only available from 2pm. (You can, however, securely leave your luggage at the front desk at any time).

Historic Mountain Trails - 14 Days - Booking

Day 1-2

Tour Tokyo's famous sights, from the wooded precincts of Meiji Shrine to the eclectic fashions of the Harajuku district.

Welcome to Japan! On arrival at one of Tokyo's airports you will use your included IC card to take the train into the centre of the city, where your hotel is located. This evening you will join your tour leader at a welcome meeting and head out for a great first-night meal at one of the many fantastic restaurants nearby – the perfect way to begin getting to know your group.
After a much-needed night's sleep there's no better way to tackle the jet-lag than by getting stuck in to sightseeing, and on day two your tour leader will be taking you all on a full-day tour of some of the city's most famous sights. These will include Meiji Shrine; a trip through the candy-coloured shopping district of Harajuku; a visit to Senso-ji Temple at the heart of traditional Asakusa; and a relaxing ride on the Sumida river bus.
If you prefer to explore the city under your own steam, feel free to break away from the group and discover some of the many other attractions. Tokyo has so much to offer that it'd be impossible to do it all in a day!

Overnight: Shiba Park

Day 3

Discover the charming, traditional post towns of Magome and Tsumago, once stations on the ancient Nakasendo way.

Today you'll be up bright and early to catch the bullet train to Nagoya, from which point you'll board an express train to the rural Kiso Valley. The Kiso Valley is home to the beautifully preserved post towns of Magome and Tsumago, once stations on the ancient Nakasendo way – an old trade route that ran between Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto.
This afternoon you'll make the leisurely, three- to four-hour hike between the two towns, taking undulating paths through the forest and stopping to cool off under the refreshing Otaki waterfall on the way.
The residents of Magome and Tsumago have made a collective effort to preserve the historical atmosphere of the area, so the streets here are lined with charming wooden buildings and rural shops. Tonight you'll be staying at a traditional ryokan inn, with a delicious multi-course dinner included and a chance to soak in some soothing hot spring baths.

Overnight: Fuki-no-Mori

Day 4

Journey to Kamikochi in the Chubu Sangaku National Park.

Today you'll travel by train and bus to Kamikochi, one of the most spectacularly beautiful places in Japan and one of our favourite hiking spots. Look out for the famous Japanese macaque monkeys as you begin your three- to four-hour trail along the Azusa River and through the forest to Yokoo Lodge, where dinner will be included tonight.

Overnight: Yokoo Sanso

Day 5

Begin your ascent of Hotaka Dake, Japan's third-highest peak and one of the most beautiful hiking locations in the country.

On day five you'll start early, allowing plenty of time for the six- to eight-hour hike up Hotaka Dake. This is a challenging hike that will see you tackle a great variety of terrain, from river walking and rocky sections to snowfields (yes, even in summer!) and scrambling with hands and feet – amid weather conditions that can change at the drop of a hat.
Covering an ascent of 1,500 m (4,900 ft), this exciting hike offers an incredible sense of achievement (and stupendous views!) for those who complete it. After the day's exertions you'll be rewarded with great food and warm hospitality at a mountain hut at 3,000 m (9,800 ft) where you'll have a chance to recharge your batteries for the day ahead.

Overnight: Hotaka Dake Sanso

Day 6

Tackle the Oku-hotaka summit, Japan's third-highest peak.

Day six will see you rise with the sun in order to reach the Oku-Hotaka summit, Japan's third-highest peak at 3190 m (10,466 ft). From here you'll follow the ridgeline to Mae-Hotaka Peak before dropping steeply down into the Dakesawa Valley, renowned for its glorious views. After making the tricky, eight- to ten-hour descent back down the mountain to the Azusa River, a hot bath, delicious meal and warm futon await at your riverside accommodation tonight.

Overnight: Gosenjaku Lodge

Day 7

Explore the original “Black Crow” castle and admire the world's largest collection of ukiyo-e woodblock prints in Matsumoto.

Today you'll exchange the beautiful mountain scenery of Kamikochi for the modern city of Matsumoto, located on a plateau surrounded by the Japanese Alps. Matsumoto is most famous for its wonderfully preserved original samurai castle, nicknamed the “Black Crow”, whose wooden donjon and narrow staircases you'll explore today. There is also an interesting museum and a preserved merchants' quarter within five minutes' walk of your hotel.
Whilst in Matsumoto, art lovers may be interested in heading a little out of town to the ukiyo-e museum, which houses a collection of traditional woodblock prints by artists such as Hokusai, Hiroshige and Kitagawa. Despite containing the largest collection of ukiyo-e in the world, there are rarely any crowds here and we highly recommend that you take the time to visit.

Overnight: Kagetsu

Day 8-10

On day eight of your tour you'll speed by express and bullet train to Kyoto; Japan's cultural and historical heartland. Though your first experience of Kyoto will be the gigantic, steel-and-glass station complex – you'll soon discover that this is a city with an ancient heartbeat.
You'll begin your cultural journey with a visit to Kiyomizu Temple, built on stilts and perched high on a hillside with great views across the city. Later in the evening you'll wander the traditional Gion district and learn about the secretive world of the geisha, before heading out for a group meal at one of the city's excellent restaurants.
On your second day in Kyoto you'll have the opportunity to participate in a half-day cycling tour of Kyoto's famous and lesser-known haunts with a local guide and cycling enthusiast. After lunch you'll wander through Nishiki food market, and those who fancy some greenery and a little exercise can spend the afternoon exploring the famous ten thousand torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, located on a forested hillside on the outskirts of the city.
With a third and final day to spend in Kyoto, you'll have a great number of options to keep you busy. You might wish to visit the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji Temple; take a boat ride down the Hozugawa River; explore the bamboo groves of Arashiyama; or just peruse the city's museums and galleries. You might even decide to go on a day trip to nearby Osaka or Nara, another former ancient capital.

Overnight: Sunroute Kyoto

Day 11

Begin your ascent of Mount Fuji via the Subashiri Trail.

After forwarding your main luggage, you'll leave Japan's ancient capital behind and head eastwards by train to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Here you'll begin your ascent of Mount Fuji by the lesser-trodden, greener Subashiri Trail, taking in the surrounding scenery and, if the weather is clear, marvelling at Fuji's giant evening shadow as it stretches out across the Kanto plain.
Today's hike will take five to six hours over loose scree and solidified lava trail, with considerable altitude gain and variable weather conditions. Tonight you'll be staying at one of Fuji's mountain huts, giving you the chance to rest before the early morning final push to the summit. Dinner will be included.

Overnight: Goraikokan Mountain Hut

Day 12

Watch the sun rise from the top of Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest peak and one of the world's most iconic mountains.

After a night on the mountain, you'll rise before the sun in order to reach the summit of Fuji just before daybreak – ensuring a spectacular start to the day. Following this you'll begin your three- to four-hour descent via the Subashiri Trail and catch the bus back to your accommodation in Hakone.
If you have the energy, an afternoon visit to the world-class Hakone open-air museum is highly recommended. Here you'll have the chance to wander amongst works by Miro, Picasso, Moore and Rodin surrounded by the mountains and forest of the national park. Dinner will be included once again at your accommodation this evening.

Overnight: Resorpia Hakone

Day 13-14

Return to Tokyo for some last-minute shopping and a final night dinner in the vibrant skyscraper district of Shinjuku.

Today you'll hop aboard the bullet train for one more ride as you zip across the countryside to Tokyo. This is your chance to do a bit of last-minute shopping and sightseeing before you head out for a final dinner with your tour leader in the electric Shinjuku district of the city. This is the perfect way to reflect on the highlights of what will have been two weeks of adventure, personal challenge and team-orientated immersion in Japan's urban and cultural landscapes.
Finally it's time to say sayonara to Japan. Your tour leader will ensure you have all the information you need to reach the airport in plenty of time for your flight home.

Day 1-2

Tour Tokyo's famous sights, from the wooded precincts of Meiji Shrine to the eclectic fashions of the Harajuku district.

Welcome to Japan! On arrival at one of Tokyo's airports you will use your included IC card to take the train into the centre of the city, where your hotel is located. This evening you will join your tour leader at a welcome meeting and head out for a great first-night meal at one of the many fantastic restaurants nearby – the perfect way to begin getting to know your group.
After a much-needed night's sleep there's no better way to tackle the jet-lag than by getting stuck in to sightseeing, and on day two your tour leader will be taking you all on a full-day tour of some of the city's most famous sights. These will include Meiji Shrine; a trip through the candy-coloured shopping district of Harajuku; a visit to Senso-ji Temple at the heart of traditional Asakusa; and a relaxing ride on the Sumida river bus.
If you prefer to explore the city under your own steam, feel free to break away from the group and discover some of the many other attractions. Tokyo has so much to offer that it'd be impossible to do it all in a day!

Overnight: Shiba Park

Day 3

Discover the charming, traditional post towns of Magome and Tsumago, once stations on the ancient Nakasendo way.

Today you'll be up bright and early to catch the bullet train to Nagoya, from which point you'll board an express train to the rural Kiso Valley. The Kiso Valley is home to the beautifully preserved post towns of Magome and Tsumago, once stations on the ancient Nakasendo way – an old trade route that ran between Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto.
This afternoon you'll make the leisurely, three- to four-hour hike between the two towns, taking undulating paths through the forest and stopping to cool off under the refreshing Otaki waterfall on the way.
The residents of Magome and Tsumago have made a collective effort to preserve the historical atmosphere of the area, so the streets here are lined with charming wooden buildings and rural shops. Tonight you'll be staying at a traditional ryokan inn, with a delicious multi-course dinner included and a chance to soak in some soothing hot spring baths.

Overnight: Fuki-no-Mori

Day 4

Journey to Kamikochi in the Chubu Sangaku National Park.

Today you'll travel by train and bus to Kamikochi, one of the most spectacularly beautiful places in Japan and one of our favourite hiking spots. Look out for the famous Japanese macaque monkeys as you begin your three- to four-hour trail along the Azusa River and through the forest to Yokoo Lodge, where dinner will be included tonight.

Overnight: Yokoo Sanso

Day 5

Begin your ascent of Hotaka Dake, Japan's third-highest peak and one of the most beautiful hiking locations in the country.

On day five you'll start early, allowing plenty of time for the six- to eight-hour hike up Hotaka Dake. This is a challenging hike that will see you tackle a great variety of terrain, from river walking and rocky sections to snowfields (yes, even in summer!) and scrambling with hands and feet – amid weather conditions that can change at the drop of a hat.
Covering an ascent of 1,500 m (4,900 ft), this exciting hike offers an incredible sense of achievement (and stupendous views!) for those who complete it. After the day's exertions you'll be rewarded with great food and warm hospitality at a mountain hut at 3,000 m (9,800 ft) where you'll have a chance to recharge your batteries for the day ahead.

Overnight: Hotaka Dake Sanso

Day 6

Tackle the Oku-hotaka summit, Japan's third-highest peak.

Day six will see you rise with the sun in order to reach the Oku-Hotaka summit, Japan's third-highest peak at 3190 m (10,466 ft). From here you'll follow the ridgeline to Mae-Hotaka Peak before dropping steeply down into the Dakesawa Valley, renowned for its glorious views. After making the tricky, eight- to ten-hour descent back down the mountain to the Azusa River, a hot bath, delicious meal and warm futon await at your riverside accommodation tonight.

Overnight: Gosenjaku Lodge

Day 7

Explore the original “Black Crow” castle and admire the world's largest collection of ukiyo-e woodblock prints in Matsumoto.

Today you'll exchange the beautiful mountain scenery of Kamikochi for the modern city of Matsumoto, located on a plateau surrounded by the Japanese Alps. Matsumoto is most famous for its wonderfully preserved original samurai castle, nicknamed the “Black Crow”, whose wooden donjon and narrow staircases you'll explore today. There is also an interesting museum and a preserved merchants' quarter within five minutes' walk of your hotel.
Whilst in Matsumoto, art lovers may be interested in heading a little out of town to the ukiyo-e museum, which houses a collection of traditional woodblock prints by artists such as Hokusai, Hiroshige and Kitagawa. Despite containing the largest collection of ukiyo-e in the world, there are rarely any crowds here and we highly recommend that you take the time to visit.

Overnight: Kagetsu

Day 8-10

On day eight of your tour you'll speed by express and bullet train to Kyoto; Japan's cultural and historical heartland. Though your first experience of Kyoto will be the gigantic, steel-and-glass station complex – you'll soon discover that this is a city with an ancient heartbeat.
You'll begin your cultural journey with a visit to Kiyomizu Temple, built on stilts and perched high on a hillside with great views across the city. Later in the evening you'll wander the traditional Gion district and learn about the secretive world of the geisha, before heading out for a group meal at one of the city's excellent restaurants.
On your second day in Kyoto you'll have the opportunity to participate in a half-day cycling tour of Kyoto's famous and lesser-known haunts with a local guide and cycling enthusiast. After lunch you'll wander through Nishiki food market, and those who fancy some greenery and a little exercise can spend the afternoon exploring the famous ten thousand torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, located on a forested hillside on the outskirts of the city.
With a third and final day to spend in Kyoto, you'll have a great number of options to keep you busy. You might wish to visit the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji Temple; take a boat ride down the Hozugawa River; explore the bamboo groves of Arashiyama; or just peruse the city's museums and galleries. You might even decide to go on a day trip to nearby Osaka or Nara, another former ancient capital.

Overnight: Sunroute Kyoto

Day 11

Begin your ascent of Mount Fuji via the Subashiri Trail.

After forwarding your main luggage, you'll leave Japan's ancient capital behind and head eastwards by train to the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Here you'll begin your ascent of Mount Fuji by the lesser-trodden, greener Subashiri Trail, taking in the surrounding scenery and, if the weather is clear, marvelling at Fuji's giant evening shadow as it stretches out across the Kanto plain.
Today's hike will take five to six hours over loose scree and solidified lava trail, with considerable altitude gain and variable weather conditions. Tonight you'll be staying at one of Fuji's mountain huts, giving you the chance to rest before the early morning final push to the summit. Dinner will be included.

Overnight: Goraikokan Mountain Hut

Day 12

Watch the sun rise from the top of Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest peak and one of the world's most iconic mountains.

After a night on the mountain, you'll rise before the sun in order to reach the summit of Fuji just before daybreak – ensuring a spectacular start to the day. Following this you'll begin your three- to four-hour descent via the Subashiri Trail and catch the bus back to your accommodation in Hakone.
If you have the energy, an afternoon visit to the world-class Hakone open-air museum is highly recommended. Here you'll have the chance to wander amongst works by Miro, Picasso, Moore and Rodin surrounded by the mountains and forest of the national park. Dinner will be included once again at your accommodation this evening.

Overnight: Resorpia Hakone

Day 13-14

Return to Tokyo for some last-minute shopping and a final night dinner in the vibrant skyscraper district of Shinjuku.

Today you'll hop aboard the bullet train for one more ride as you zip across the countryside to Tokyo. This is your chance to do a bit of last-minute shopping and sightseeing before you head out for a final dinner with your tour leader in the electric Shinjuku district of the city. This is the perfect way to reflect on the highlights of what will have been two weeks of adventure, personal challenge and team-orientated immersion in Japan's urban and cultural landscapes.
Finally it's time to say sayonara to Japan. Your tour leader will ensure you have all the information you need to reach the airport in plenty of time for your flight home.

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You can reserve a place on Historic Mountain Trails by completing this form and paying a 15% deposit per person (minimum US$435). We accept payment in GBP, USD, CAD, AUD and EUR. You can choose your currency below. Please note that deposit and balance payments must be made in the same currency.

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We don't believe in a one size fits all approach so be sure to provide us with plenty of information here and it will really help us start thinking about some awesome ideas for your personalised trip. If you have seen anything on the site which really inspires you such as a particular itinerary, Group Tour or some of our fabulous experiences be sure to let us know.

Where did you hear about InsideJapan Tours?*

Please selectIf Other please give details belowInsideJapan Tours is part of InsideAsia Tours. If you don't want to receive emails or other marketing from InsideAsia Tours about Japan or any of our other destinations, please check the box.